Diagnosis of Giardia infection in 14 calves

Abstract

Fourteen calves, 12 days to 12 weeks old, were treated for diarrhea. Fecal examination for parasitologic, bacteriologic, or viral infection revealed Giardia in all calves; rotavirus and coronavirus were found in some calves. Thirteen affected calves were treated orally with dimetridazole (50 mg/kg of body weight, daily, for 5 days), with complete resolution of the diarrhea and elimination of the Giardia. Giardiasis should be considered as an etiologic agent of diarrhea in calves.